China Silk Road Itinerary

Day 1  Depart Australia
Depart Australia for Beijing.

Day 2  Arrive in Beijing
On arrival we are met by our friendly local Chinese guide and transferred to our hotel. The day is at leisure to relax and unwind before tonight’s delicious Peking Duck welcome banquet. [D]

Day 3  Beijing - Xi’an
This morning we fly to Xi’an - the start of the Silk Road. This afternoon we visit the excellent Shaanxi History Museum, which houses more than 3,000 unearthed historic relics. [B,L]

Day 4  Depart Xi’an
Today we visit the exquisite Terracotta Warriors and Horses, considered the greatest archaeological discovery of the last century! The figures vary in height from 182cm to 195cm, according to their role; the tallest are the generals. The figures include strong warriors, chariots, horses, officials, acrobats, strongmen, and musicians. Current estimates are that in the three pits containing the Terracotta Army there are more than 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses, and 150 cavalry horses, the majority of which are still buried in the pit. Today we also visit the ancient city walls which date back to the Tang dynasty, before taking our overnight sleeper train to Jiayuguan. [B,L]

Day 5  Arrive in Jiayuguan
Mingle with the locals as we soak up the atmosphere of this unique train journey. We arrive in Jiayuguan in the afternoon. [B,L]

Day 6  Jiayuguan
This morning after breakfast we visit the Overhanging Great Wall at Shiguan Xiakou Pass, which dates back to 1539. It was built for military purposes under the guidance of General Liyan during the Ming Dynasty. [B,L]

Day 7  Jiayuguan - Dunhuang
This morning we visit the Jiayuguan Pass, the western starting point of the Great Wall of China, before setting off through the stark desert to Dunhuang. [B,L]

Day 8  Depart Dunhuang
This morning we visit the awe-inspiring Mogao Caves. Also known as the Caves of the Thousand Buddhas, these caves form a system of 492 temples and are located 25km southeast of the centre of Dunhuang, an oasis strategically located at a religious and cultural crossroads on the Silk Road. We then explore the stunning desert dunes including Echo Sand Hill, Crescent Moon Spring and Crescent Lake, before boarding our sleeper train to Turpan. [B,L]

Day 9  Arrive in Turpan
Today we visit the fascinating Karez Well, an incredible ancient irrigation system of wells connected by underground channels. We also visit the ancient city of Gaochang and the Flaming Hill. [B,L]

Day 10  Turpan
This morning we visit the Grape Valley, the Thousand Buddha Caves and Asna Old Tomb. We’ll also visit a local Uygur family to learn about their unique customs and traditions. [B,L]

Day 11  Turpan - Kolar
Our scenic journey to Kolar is via the Tiemen Pass which is also known as the Iron Gate Pass. [B,L]

Day 12  Kolar - Kuqa
This morning we travel to Kuqa and visit the ruins of Subashi, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Guici. The ruins are divided by the Kuqa River into eastern and western areas. Subashi Temple was a Buddhist complex, built in the first century. It reached its peak between the sixth and eighth centuries AD, during the Sui and Tang dynasties. These extensive ruins reflect the temple's past splendour.  [B,L]

Day 13  Kuqa - Aksu
Today we continue to the city of Aksu. Along the way we visit the remarkable Kizil Caves. The caves are said to be the earliest major Buddhist cave complex in East Turkestan, with development occurring between the 3rd and 8th centuries. Although the site has been both damaged and looted, at least 1,000 square metres of wall paintings - mostly Jataka stories - remain.  [B,L]

Day 14  Aksu - Kashgar
Today we travel through the stark beauty of the Gobi Desert. The Gobi is a rain shadow desert, formed because the Himalaya range blocks rain-carrying clouds from reaching the region. We then travel on to the city of Kashgar , a major trading city with neighbouring Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and India. [B,L]

Day 15  Kashgar
Today we see the stunning Karakuri Lake located at the foot of Mount Maztagata. En route we visit a village of the Tjikstan people. [B,L]

Day 16  Kashgar
Today’s sightseeing includes a visit to the Aba Hokja Tomb, Kashgar’s Old City, the lively Kah Mosque and the bustling Sunday Market, the most important market along the Silk Road. It’s time to haggle for bargains! [B,L]

Day 17  Kashgar - Urumqi
This morning we fly to Urumqi where we visit the picturesque Heavenly Lake which lies 1,900m above sea level. [B,L]

Day 18  Urumqi
A fun day as we explore the Erdaoqiao Bazaar, a buzzing market filled with fruit, clothing, crafts and carpets. We also visit a silk carpet factory, which is a great opportunity to purchase these unique handicrafts. [B,L]

Day 19  Urumqi - Chengdu
This morning is at leisure before we fly to the city of Chengdu where we are met and transferred to our hotel. [B,L]

Day 20  Depart Chengdu
On our last morning in China we say hello to the loveable pandas at the Chengdu Panda Reserve before our afternoon transfer to the airport. [B]

Day 21  Arrive in Australia

China Silk Road

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